Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia have once again underscored their determination to nurture their historic friendship and transform it into even stronger practical cooperation. The three nations, bound not only by geography but also by a deep reservoir of shared history, culture, and aspirations, reaffirmed that deeper economic integration and comprehensive collaboration remain the cornerstone of their partnership in the years ahead. In doing so, they seek to honor the sacrifices of the past, address the needs of the present, and prepare for the challenges and opportunities of the future.

On the morning of May 25, on the sidelines of the 46th ASEAN Summit and related high-level meetings in Malaysia, Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bùi Thanh Sơn held talks with Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Prak Sokhonn, and Lao Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavanh Phomvihane. The dialogue was not only political in significance but also symbolic in sentiment. At the outset, the Cambodian and Lao ministers expressed their heartfelt condolences over the passing of former Vietnamese President Trần Đức Lương. Their participation in memorial ceremonies in Hanoi and their presence at the military parade celebrating the fiftieth anniversary of Vietnam’s reunification went beyond formal protocol. These acts served as reminders of the genuine emotional bond that has linked the three countries for decades, forged through times of hardship, struggles for independence, and mutual support in nation-building.

Deputy Prime Minister Sơn conveyed Vietnam’s deep appreciation for these gestures. He emphasized that they exemplified the rare solidarity among Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, a solidarity that transcends leadership changes and shifting political landscapes. He reiterated Vietnam’s pledge to continue standing alongside its neighbors, not only as a partner in development but also as a brother-in-arms in the pursuit of regional peace, stability, and prosperity.

The Vietnam–Laos–Cambodia relationship is deeply rooted in shared historical experiences. During the struggles for independence in the mid-twentieth century, the three nations offered one another unwavering support, often at great cost. Their cooperation was not merely tactical or situational; it was existential, based on a common vision of sovereignty, self-determination, and freedom from external domination. This shared history has created a unique political trust that continues to underpin contemporary cooperation. Unlike many other international relationships that are purely transactional, the trilateral bond carries moral and historical weight, ensuring that dialogue and coordination are conducted on a foundation of mutual respect and long-term commitment. Today, this trust provides the political capital necessary to expand collaboration across economic, security, and social domains.

During their meeting in Malaysia, the ministers reviewed ongoing cooperation and acknowledged that progress is steady and meaningful. Guided by the orientations of their ruling Parties and Prime Ministers, Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia have broadened their partnerships across multiple fronts. Defense and security remain central to their relationship, with joint efforts to manage shared borders fostering stability and preventing the spread of transnational threats. Cooperative security frameworks have also helped to maintain border regions as areas of peace, stability, and friendship, providing a secure environment for economic and social development. Economic, trade, and investment partnerships are gaining momentum, with the three countries working to improve infrastructure connectivity, harmonize cross-border procedures, and create a more favorable environment for businesses. Tourism is emerging as an increasingly vital sector, with cross-border travel and joint promotional campaigns highlighting the cultural richness of the region and presenting the Indochina Peninsula as a unified destination. Beyond economics, cooperation in education, training, and cultural exchange has widened opportunities for younger generations, while people-to-people diplomacy continues to build trust and mutual understanding at the grassroots level. The ministers also emphasized the crucial role of their foreign ministries in driving coordination, ensuring that trilateral cooperation is strategic in intent and practical in implementation.

The three sides agreed on a series of practical measures to ensure that their shared aspirations translate into real benefits for their citizens. They pledged to intensify exchanges at all levels, to urge ministries and agencies to actively implement signed agreements, and to accelerate projects designed to improve transport and tourism connectivity. They also recognized the importance of youth engagement. The ministers committed to expanding scholarships, developing training programs for young leaders, and strengthening capacity-building for border officials. Such initiatives will help prepare future generations to carry forward the legacy of trilateral friendship with confidence and commitment. The ministers further reaffirmed their joint goal of keeping their borders as areas of peace, stability, and friendship, while simultaneously developing economic opportunities that will benefit communities living in these regions.

In addition, the three nations committed to enhancing the sharing of information and the coordination of policies on regional and global issues of mutual concern. They agreed to intensify consultations on matters such as Mekong water resource management, climate change, and emerging economic trends, recognizing that collective responses are more effective than isolated efforts. They also expressed their determination to strengthen economic linkages with other countries in the Mekong subregion in order to amplify opportunities and strengthen resilience in an uncertain global environment.

The Cambodian and Lao ministers welcomed Deputy Prime Minister Sơn’s proposal to institutionalize regular trilateral foreign ministers’ meetings. They agreed that such a mechanism would provide a permanent and valuable platform for reviewing cooperation, setting future directions, and exchanging views on regional and global developments. By institutionalizing this framework, the three nations will avoid ad hoc collaboration and instead ensure that their partnership remains structured, predictable, and responsive to changing circumstances.

Looking to the future, the ministers acknowledged that while the prospects for cooperation are bright, they must also address significant challenges. The global economy is undergoing rapid transformation, with supply chain realignments, digital disruption, and climate change reshaping development pathways. Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia will need to adapt their trilateral cooperation to these shifts. Greater efforts will be required to reduce trade barriers, modernize customs procedures, and invest in digital connectivity in order to remain competitive. Sustainable development will also be critical, particularly in the shared management of the Mekong River, which is under pressure from climate change and unsustainable practices. The three countries further recognized that youth engagement must be at the heart of their cooperation, since younger generations are increasingly dynamic, globally connected, and central to shaping the future of the region. Finally, the ministers acknowledged the complexity of geopolitical competition in Southeast Asia and reaffirmed their intention to maintain an independent and balanced partnership that serves the interests of their people above all else.

Despite these challenges, the message from the meeting was clear. Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia will continue to walk together, drawing strength from their unique solidarity. In a world marked by geopolitical shifts and economic volatility, their trilateral partnership serves both as a safeguard and an opportunity. By prioritizing economic integration, reinforcing political trust, and deepening collaboration across multiple fields, the three nations aim not only to secure prosperity for their citizens but also to contribute positively to peace, stability, and sustainable development across Southeast Asia.

The Vietnam–Laos–Cambodia relationship thus stands as a model of how neighboring nations, linked by shared struggles and common aspirations, can work together to transform history into progress, solidarity into development, and friendship into a future of shared prosperity.